Turn your website into a valuable resource for getting found online, building trust with buyers, and attracting inquiries! During this webinar you’ll learn what your website needs to help you succeed in 2016 and beyond.

This program will outline the National Labor Relations Board’s new rule governing union organizing in the workplace. It will explain why employees seek to organize, how to spot signs of organizing activity, how organizing campaigns start, and how employers can diagnose and prepare for an organizing campaign. The speaker will provide helpful hints for managers and supervisors to maintain high morale in the workforce, which in turn helps avoid organizing activity.

Rudeness in the workplace is increasing to the level that universities are studying it. Everyone is busy, everyone is stressed, and most people take it out on their colleagues at one time or another. We’ve all been in a situation where we need to print something ASAP and someone has left the printer jammed, or we need coffee and the coffeepot is empty. Technology is supposed to make life easier and simpler, but most managers find themselves cleaning up the messes caused by too many gadgets. This workshop will show you how to leverage technology to work smarter, not harder.

The Connecticut state legislature, in an effort to repair the budget deficit, repealed the sales tax exemption for residential weatherization products and compact fluorescent light bulbs. Effective Jan. 1, 2016 consumers will now have to pay sales tax on products including but not limited to: programmable thermostats; insulation; water heaters and water heater blankets; and windows and doors that meet the federal Energy Star standard. According to the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS), in order to exempt the items from sales tax, they must be delivered/received by Dec. 31, 2015 OR a deposit must be taken for orders prior to Jan.1, 2016 AND the product must be removed from inventory or accounted for in your inventory control system by Dec. 31, 2015. As there is no stated requirement for a specific percentage deposit, a $1 deposit would be allowed. If you are unable to pull the product from inventory or account for it as sold in your inventory control system by Dec. 31, 2015, then the product would not be considered tax exempt.

Have you ever wondered why it seems so difficult to talk with some people and so easy to talk with others? Can you recall an occasion where you met someone for the first time and immediately liked that person? Something about the individual made you feel comfortable.

A major goal of this workshop is to help you understand the impact your communication skills have on other people. You will also explore how improving these skills can make it easier for you to get along in the workplace, and in life.

Auto accident cost employers millions of dollars in lost production, legal fees and insurance costs. The National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that driver inattention is a factor in over 80 percent of highway accidents. Drivers who fail to give their full attention to the road, distracted drivers put themselves, their passengers, and everyone else on the road at risk. This webinar will focus on the problem, the science behind distracted driving, and what employers can do to protect their organizations from distracted driving losses.

TARGET AUDIENCE & LEVEL: The webinar is intended for business owners and employees.

The fact is distracted driving affects employers as well as employees. Both parties have a

vested interested in understanding the problem of distracted driving and understand and

Tom Bartram began his career in the LBM industry after taking a part-time summer job in college. And he never looked back.

That initial part-time position at Community Lumber & Hardware in Lakeville, Conn. would be followed by a 42-year career in the industry. Today, Tom is the Lumber Dealer Association of Connecticut’s Lumber Person of the Year.

That part-time summer job was good to Tom. It not only introduced him into a career in lumber and building materials, but it was during that time he also met his wife Sharman. They were married on May 5, 1979, Cinco de Mayo —and were fortunate enough to stay in their hometown and build a home in 1985. They recently purchased and renovated Tom’s childhood home. Living there has brought Tom “full circle…..back where I started”.

Tom’s mentors include Mike Turnure, of Community Lumber & Hardware, and Ed Herrington, of Herington’s. Tom became a full time employee at Community in May of 1976 and worked in store sales, as a branch manager, yard manager/dispatcher and eventually in contractor sales. After Mr. Turnure’s passing, the company was purchased by Herrington’s where Tom continued in contractor sales and eventually moved to his present position as an architectural representative.

Tom says he, “developed a strong work ethic from both of my parents.”

“I enjoy working for an independent, family-owned business,” Tom says.

Looking back on his career, Tom remembers his first encounter with technology. It was a fax machine that used thermal paper. After faxing an order, the company would receive a confirmation in the mail several days later…..how things have changed.

Among Tom’s achievements and milestones are serving as chief of the Sharon Fire Department from 1988-1991. Presently, he serves as a Litchfield County Fire Coordinator, assisting eight local departments; and serving as president of the Sharon Fire Department. He continues to be involved in fire department training as an instructor for the County fire school. Four generations of Tom’s family have served with the fire department, with Tom volunteering for 43 years.

He is also a certified construction product representative (CCPR), allowing Tom to provide American Institute of America (AIA) seminars about products, installation techniques, and best practices.

Tom holds a bachelor of science in meteorology from Lowell Technological Institute (now UMass Lowell). Continuing as a student, he took the very first engineered lumber course provided by the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association. Other studies include building materials estimating and energy conservation courses.

“Take advantage of education, stay current, and be knowledgeable, as competition is keener than ever,” Tom says.

Giving back to the community continues to be one of Tom’s passions. He currently serves on the Town of Sharon Board of Finance and was a town Selectman during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Tom presently serves on the Salisbury- Sharon Resource Recovery Authority, providing joint municipal solid waste and recycling services for the two Towns. Other areas of Tom’s service include sitting on the Sharon Day Care Board of Directors and serving as a trustee at St. Bernard’s Roman Catholic Church.

Born in Sharon, Tom has been a lifelong resident of the town. Tom is a history buff and enjoys holding conversations about the subject. In fact, his daughters Emily and Erin are both history majors. Emily is an archivist for the Archdiocese of Hartford and holds a master’s degree in library science while Erin is completing her doctorate in American History and currently teaches history at the University of Hartford. Tom’s family include his sisters, Mary Ann who lives in Illinois and Kathy who resides in Arizona.

Tom’s advice to other dealers includes, “Have good relationships with your suppliers and support volunteer efforts in your local community.

“ I am grateful for all those who have helped me personally and professionally along the way and I hope I can do the same for those that follow.”

NRLA Update…

Our new NRLA Board Chairman Kevin Hancock is pleased to announce that a new President has been hired. Jim Ayotte, currently Executive Vice-President of the Manufactured Housing Institute based in Arlington, VA will begin working with John Brill on January 8, 2001

Lumber Mutual Insurance Safety Group

NRLA announced that it has reached agreement with Allied American Insurance Agency and the American International Group (AIG) Insurance Co. to offer an insurance program to our members. Jan.1, 2001. AIG will be offering coverage binders from Jan. 1, 2001 to renewal date. Call NRLA (800) 292-6752 for more information.

LDAC News…

The annual meeting was a great success with 130 people attending the afternoon program and the banquet honoring Jim Lyke as Lumber Person of the Year. Our speaker for the afternoon program, Ray Leone gave a dynamic and educational program. I hope next year will be a greater success.

The 2001 LDAC slate of officers was announced and Greg Branecky, The Hatch & Bailey Co., Norwalk was voted in as President while Lisa Nadeau, General Building; E. Hartford was voted in as Secretary. Also Charles Heyman, Washington Supply, Washington was voted in as Treasurer.

AmeriCares HomeFront

Lumber Dealers Association of Connecticut Board are asking all members to support AmeriCares HomeFront. AmeriCares HomeFront is a private, nonprofit humanitarian organization, which helps people who are low income, elderly, ill, disabled, or single parents by repairing their home to keep it warm, safe, and dry. We need our members to help support this rewarding project. AmeriCares HomeFront has a list of supplies needed for this wonderful project. Please call Greg Branecky (203) 866-5515 or Kris deFriesse at AmeriCares HomeFront 1-800-887-HOPE if you would like more information. AmeriCares HomeFront will help to promote your company within your community with press releases in television, radio, and newspapers, and This Old House Magazine’s “Thank You” Section.